Abstract: A motorized cervical traction device comprises an inferior base configured to attach to a patient support (such as an operating table or gurney), a superior base spaced apart from the inferior base along a cranial/caudal direction, and a set of linear actuators extending between the inferior base and the superior base. The superior base includes an attachment point configured to enable mechanical coupling of a load sensor and a patient head attachment (e.g., Gardner-Wells device or Mayfield skull clamp) to the superior base. In use, the device provides real-time load sensing capability and can apply distraction via extension of the linear actuators to a preset load (force control) or displacement (position control). The device also includes a flexion/extension mechanism that enables rotational positioning of the linear actuators relative to the inferior base along and enables control of the flexion/extension angle of the applied traction.